Four St. Louis police officers hit by gunfire in violent protests -- police

Four police officers were hit by gunfire in St. Louis, Missouri state late Monday during violent protests over the death of George Floyd, the city's police department said Tuesday.

"We have had 4 officers struck by gunfire tonight. All have been transported to an area hospital. All are conscious and breathing. Their injuries are believed to be non-life threatening," the St. Louis Police said on Twitter. "Officers are still taking gunfire downtown we will share more info as it available."

The riots in downtown St. Louis began Monday evening and turned into violent clashes between protesters and the police, the St. Louis-based Fox 2 News broadcaster reported, adding that the shooting occurred near the Metropolitan Police Department headquarters.

Floyd, aged 46, died on May 25 after a white police officer held him down with a knee on his neck for at least eight minutes, though he repeatedly pleaded, "I can't breathe," and "please, I can't breathe."

Demonstrations and riots have spread to cities across the United States after a video recording the moment went viral on social media, sparking a national outcry for justice.